What Your Next Heart Health Checkup Might Miss-And Why Seniors Should Ask More

A heart health checkup can identify many cardiac issues, but some common heart conditions for seniors are more difficult to diagnose. Irregular heart rhythm, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease are examples of problems that may not have obvious symptoms.

If a checkup doesn't show any issues, follow up with your healthcare provider if you feel like something is wrong. This is especially important in Georgia, where cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death.

Many heart conditions can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes, so you can continue your favorite activities. That's great news for seniors in historic Marietta, GA, where you can stroll the square, enjoy boutique shopping and dining, or see a show at the Strand Theatre.

Asking questions and following up with your doctor will help you maintain the best quality of life as long as possible.

What Are the Most Common Heart Problems in the Elderly?

Like everything in your body, your heart and cardiovascular system change as you age. For example, the valves in your heart can get thicker and stiffer, which can lead to a heart murmur. Common heart problems for older adults include:

• Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
• Congestive heart failure
• Coronary artery disease
• Hardened arteries (atherosclerosis)
• Heart attack
• High blood pressure

Regular senior wellness checks for heart health are essential for identifying and treating these issues.

What to Ask at Your Heart Health Checkup

Making a list of questions to ask your cardiac doctor can be helpful. If you schedule a heart health checkup because of a specific issue, be sure to ask about all of your symptoms and any that might be related. If your appointment is a more general cardiac senior wellness check, questions for doctors could include:

• Is my blood pressure in a healthy range?
• What are my cholesterol levels?
• Does my family history put me at higher risk for heart disease?
• Should I be tested for diabetes?
• What is my stroke risk?

Your doctor may order tests to answer some of these questions. If your results show a potential concern, you can ask about ways to lower your risk.

If you're currently managing a cardiac condition, be sure to ask questions like:

• Do my heart-related symptoms put me at risk for other health issues?
• Could my heart-related symptoms affect my other chronic conditions?
• How should I monitor my heart health?
• What should I do if my symptoms worsen?

Treatment plans for many heart problems involve diet and lifestyle changes. A checkup gives you the chance to talk with your doctor about how those changes are going and if you need additional support.

What Heart Conditions Can Go Undetected?

Many heart conditions don't cause any noticeable symptoms until the problem is significantly advanced. This is a major reason why proactive senior health includes regular heart health screenings.

Heart Attack

Heart attacks are one of the most common cardiovascular problems for seniors, and as many as 60% of all heart attacks are silent. A silent heart attack has mild symptoms or none at all.

Symptoms may seem like the flu, general tiredness, or indigestion. Recognizing the signs of a silent heart attack can help you get treatment faster.

Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a common type of arrhythmia where the heart beats too fast and out of rhythm. Symptoms may not be noticeable or may be noticeable only some of the time. Although atrial fibrillation isn't a significant problem on its own, it increases the risk of conditions like heart failure.

Congestive Heart Failure

Congestive heart failure means the heart can't effectively pump blood around the body. It's a long-term condition that usually gets worse over time.

Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary artery disease causes the arteries leading to the heart to become blocked, which restricts blood flow. This prevents the heart from functioning properly.

High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol

High blood pressure and high cholesterol don't have noticeable symptoms. They damage the heart and blood vessels over time, leading to problems like a heart attack or stroke.

What Can Be Missed on an Echocardiogram?

Echocardiograms are a type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to create pictures of your heart while it's beating. An echocardiogram can show a variety of problems with the heart, including:

• Blood clots
• Bulge in the aorta
• Conditions affecting the heart muscle
• Inflammation of the sac around the heart
• Tumors
• Valve disease

However, an echocardiogram may not always give a complete picture. Conditions like obesity and lung disease lead to extra tissue in the body that can obstruct the imaging process. Imaging may not identify conditions like:

• The earliest stages of heart disease
• Small tumors
• Artery blockages
• Coronary artery disease

If your echocardiogram is normal but you feel like you have a heart problem, be sure to follow up with your healthcare provider. Other types of tests may be necessary to find the underlying issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

At What Age Do Heart Problems Start?

The average age for a first heart attack is 65 for a man and 72 for a woman, as reported by Middle Georgia Heart. However, around 20% of heart attack patients are younger than 40. Risk factors like obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure are becoming more common in younger people.

Most heart problems can be treated once they're identified. A comprehensive heart health checkup is important at any age to find heart-related issues and develop a treatment plan.

What Are the Symptoms of an Aging Heart?

Heart risk signs in aging include:

• Dizziness
• Heart palpitations
• Tightness in your chest
• Shortness of breath
• Swollen legs
• Unexplained fatigue

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should make an appointment with a healthcare professional.

Managing Heart Health as You Age

A heart health checkup is an essential part of proactive senior health management. It can help diagnose a wide range of cardiac conditions while giving you the opportunity to ask about your health concerns.

At Greenwood Place in Marietta, GA, assisted living and wellness go hand in hand. Our caring staff is ready to support your heart-healthy lifestyle. We'll develop a personalized care plan to improve your quality of life.

From medication management to health and wellness sessions, we can help you meet your goals. Schedule a tour of Greenwood Place today to see how our commitment to your well-being can make a difference.